The permeability of hemp fibre mats used in a resin transfer moulding process were computed from the measured mould filling time, using a simplified mathematical approach. This approach could be applied because of the simple geometry of the mould and because a certain number of assumptions were made The permeability values obtained were found to decrease with increasing fibre content. In addition the hemp fibre permeability was found to be an order of magnitude lower than the value for glass fibre at a fibre content of 19 vol%. This preliminary work shows the importance of studying the permeability of natural fibre systems in order to provide the data necessary for the proper design of industrial moulds.
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